There is a Russian Professor who for the past decade has been predicting the fall of the United States. His prediction has been ignored for the most part until just recently when the U.S. Economy has been taking a hit. Now the powers that be (read Russian media) are giving Professor Igor Panarin his day in the limelight.
Mr. Panarin posits, in brief, that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar. Around the end of June 2010, or early July, he says, the U.S. will break into six pieces - with Alaska reverting to Russian control.
California will form the nucleus of what he calls “The Californian Republic,” and will be part of China or under Chinese influence. Texas will be the heart of “The Texas Republic,” a cluster of states that will go to Mexico or fall under Mexican influence. Washington, D.C., and New York will be part of an “Atlantic America” that may join the European Union. Canada will grab a group of Northern states Prof. Panarin calls “The Central North American Republic.” Hawaii, he suggests, will be a protectorate of Japan or China, and Alaska will be subsumed into Russia. (WSJ Online)
Professor Panarin is an educated and respected citizen, a former KGB analyst and dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He's not considered an off-the-wall wacko by any means of the imagination.
Here's a projection of how the United States of America will be split up:
When I first saw this I was making jokes about becoming a Canadian Coloradoan. Then after thinking about it some more I wondered,
"Could this happen?"
No country has ever remained in power forever, is this our time to fall? The condition of the economy is not the best, but is it really that bad? Yes, we have an immigration problem, but again is it so significant we can't handle it? Yes, we are surrounded with moral decay, but do we see the good, strong hard working people who know the difference between right and wrong and manifest it in their lives?
Is the United States of America damaged beyond repair?
I don't think so. As a world power we are watched closely by other countries of the world. In fact, I would venture to say they watch us more closely they we watch them. As I traveled around the world I was amazed at how much other countries knew about us.
Much of what they knew, they learned from our television and movies. Of course everyone here lives a life just like Desparate Housewives or Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman!
Their World View of Us Is Distorted
The U.S. has an immigration problem because most people want to live here. Who can blame them? Our lives are filled with every convenience known to mankind.
We are looked up to, admired and dispised all at the same time. Sometimes we forget how lucky we have it. But when push comes to shove Americans have stepped up to the plate. We have a long time reputation for making things happen.
We stepped in and finished building the Panama Canal when other countries failed. We finished it and gave it back.
We stepped in and armed the world in WWII. Our side won.
We were the first to put a man on the moon.
Our ancestors created an document called the U.S. Constitution which in it's amazing foresight has guided our country providing equal rights to all men.
Somehow I think we are going to manage to get through this "crisis" and live out our days united as one country.
The words to sum up this prediction are best expressed by Harley Davidson USA in their recent ad campaign.
Over the last 105 years in the saddle, we’ve seen wars, conflicts, depression, recession, resistance, and revolutions. We’ve watched a thousand hand-wringing pundits disappear in our rear-view mirror. But every time, this country has come out stronger than before. Because chrome and asphalt put distance between you and whatever the world can throw at you. Freedom and wind outlast hard times. And the rumble of an engine drowns out all the spin on the evening news. If 105 years have proved one thing, it’s that fear sucks and doesn’t last long. So Screw it. Let’s Ride.
Fear Sucks and so does loss of Freedom. We aren't down yet folks, we need to have faith in our country, unite for prosperity and take strength in the roots that bore us.
The U.S.of A. ain't going away.
Anonymous and nasty comments will be deleted. Identify yourself or take your comments elsewhere.
Kristal Kraft
Broker Associate
The Berkshire Group Realtors
3801 E. Florida Ave. Suite 400 Denver, Colorado, 80210 US
Kristal..... I hate to admit this, but I like some of Diamond's songs.... but back to your post. Yes, we are down... we are very damaged... but we won't fall. He makes some good points and so do you. This was very interesting.... and yes, we have seen it all and we got through it all. This is just a cycle that has come back around.... Round 2? We'll pull through, but need our leaders to step up and stop screwing around. We need to be a business... just my .02.
Excellent, Kristal! I've seen the esteemed professors comments before and they are just bunk. We are having a hard time, I'll admit, but we've been through them before and will survive and be stronger for it. Alaska will go back to the Russians? haha... my left foot. :)
Kristal - It is interesting to hear about what others think about our country. However, what this man isn't considering is the American spunk that is in all of us. We are going through a major correction that has been long overdue, but these corrections have happened throughout history. I'm with you! I'm not ready/willing to be part of anything but the USA!
KK - Love this post. I was following the discussion Twitter before I found this. It certainly makes one think, doesn't it? Yes we have our issues, but what country doesn't. I suspect there will be some important lessons learned...hopefully...and we will energe much better for it. I ahd the same experience when I have traveled, adn it is always interesting to hear the perspectives that others have of our country and our government...the good and the bad.
I am originally from Canada and often go back for visits. If Montana joins Canada, I will save on travel time by avoiding the long line-ups to go through security. Thank you for sharing the prediction of Mr. Panarin. I have heard of predictions from Nostradamus but I had not previously heard of Mr. Panarin's prediction. I am confident that the US will pull through these difficult times and come out stronger. Have a very happy New Year!
Hear hear! You are right that American citizens will not let this country be divided and ruled by others. We will pull together and with the help of God will become stronger.
This article was on the cover of the Wall St. Journal a couple days ago. I don't know if the guy is right or not, but I've been thinking about the article on and off since I read it.
If Colorado becomes part of Canada, I hope I get health insurance.
It has never failed since the beginning of this great land, when Americans get their backs up against the wall we always come out swinging. I decided I am going to go ahead and pay my dues/fees for 2009 because its GOING to be my 3rd year in real estate and I AM strong enough to survive. The rest of us will as well. I choose to look at my glass as half full. It may not be as full as I would like, but its a far sight more than millions of people around the world have and I have much to be grateful for.
I have never heard of any of this until today but I see how someone could believe this stuff. In fact I believe that the whole thing could possibly come to pass. I know our country is in bad shape and has been for quite some time, and to add insult to injury we let a criminal buy the whitehouse for 600 million dollars. How on earth did our wonderful country with our declaration and our constitution let someone buy our whitehouse?
I think it is sadly telling that the general tenor of the comments here is that we are a wonderful country and that we have rebounded from bad stuff in the past, and somehow that is enough. I don't think that drinking our bath water is the antidote to the problems we have. A great nation, yes indeed, especially insofar as people have the freedom to say ignorant things like "we let a criminal buy the whitehouse (sic)" without them (the ignorant) being imprisoned for lowering the nation's average IQ. We need to change the culture of greed up and down the system, and shine the light on ourselves so that maybe we can learn from the mistakes. As for the housing crisis, there is plenty of blame to go around, from the realtors who watched as their clients took on debt they could not hope to repay, to the lenders who pushed the loans, to the people who ignored common sense and accepted debts they should have known they could not repay, to the greed mongers on Wall Street who diced up the bad paper and resold shares of junk to greedy hedge funds, to the folks in Congress (Dems and Repubs) who (with Bush's encouragement) let Fannie and Freddie work their toxic magic, to the insurance companies and banks with their hands out to us, the taxpayers, to pay dividends and bonuses to themselves after they screwed up royally...and on and on. Let's not forget we did this to ourselves, and let's get mad enough not to let it happen again (the start, perhaps, was electing a different kind of political leader). The road to recovery is as much about culture as it is about financials, and we would be sadly mistaken and repeat the mistakes of history if we blame our problems on immigrants. They are not the problem; we are.
God Bless the USA and I believe that as long as we work together and depend on God to guide this country we will be okay. This country was founded on Godly principles and we need to go back to the basics of life. Quit spending and start saving from the top down.
God Bless America Land that I Love, Stand beside her and guide her through the NIGHT with the LIGHT from above.
Right on Kristal! I was born in Germany, raised in Holland, lived in Canada and am a very, very happy naturalized American Citizen! My grandparents were Ukranian and Dutch. I have also traveled extensively. Few US citizens permanently move to any other countries, compared to the number of people moving to the US from all over the world! The countries I have lived in were wonderful democratic societies. Yet, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be an American Citizen. I can't imagine living in Russia or any other freedom restricted country. The reasons you mention are just a few of why we should be very proud to live here. American generosity, both for our neighbors and the rest of the world is immeasurable. American ingenuity, optimism, drive, creativity, work ethic and adaptibility are just a few reasons this country remains at the top. We can even laugh at ourselves and our systems. I have met many Russians who have moved to the US in recent years and everyone of them is very happy to be here, even under difficult economic circumstances. Recent events in Russia will prove the professor wrong, very wrong. We are not perfect by any means, however, we are a culture of ideas and freedoms. In spite of the gloom and doomers, we will remain so for a long time to come. It is too bad that the rest of the world gets their impression of this great nation from fictional movies filled with satire, fantasy and fiction. I say, let freedom reign and optimism in our system bloom!
Here's the plan.....We decide as a country to free ourselves from all foreign
energy supplies in 10 years and we do whatever it takes to succeed. We all decide as Americans to buy strictly American motor vehicles for the next 10 years. We do whatever it takes to pay off all foreign debt. We retake the television set from our Asian competitors by building one so good and so affordable that noone can pass them up. We do all this because we want to and need to and not because the government forced it upon us.
Two other items WILL BE forced by government. The health care industry and the education industry shall be forced to adhere to budgets that grow at no more than the rate of inflation plus 3% for the next 10 years. Once they learn how to live within their means, the consuimer shall then have control of that market and the government shall back off
The world shall find another nanny for a while. Our military shall remain in full force and strength but will be stationed at home and nowhere else in order to protect our borders, our ports and our citizens here...... Next Indonesian psunami?...Call on Arab friends to help out. Africa has more fertile land and more shoreland than we do, They don't need our help. Its time they feed themselves, get help from Eastern nations or let nature run its course.
We can do these 7 items without costing us anything more than we already waste around the world and it will absolutely put us back on top again. This will rebalance the trade deficit, make the US environmentally proactive, reinvigorate our manufacturing, and stop the world from seeing us as the great interferer.We have the will and the ability to do this and it's what we are all about---Lets get to work! Happy New Year and may God Bless
Predictions that are nothing new except for the breakup of the country into different parts. The U.S. will be fine IF it wakes up to what's going on and people realize that bailout money being printed up (among several other things) to keep an artificial economy going is just going to eventually make things worse in the long run. Keep in mind... we have not even hit anywhere near the peak for Social Security and Medicaid costs that will be coming soon....
The video below is what everybody else seems to know but the mainstream U.S. for some reason. Take the time to watch it and take the time to understand what's going on right now.
Yes... without the bailout money the economy would be hurting more but unfortunately the end cost is going to hurt a whole lot more as predicted by Mr. Panarin.
It has nothing to do with Gloom and Doom controlling our destiny... it has to do with waking up to what bad leadership has gotten us.
Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black to me. Wasn't that long ago that the Soviet Union split up and had to rely on the rest of the world to forgive it of it's debts so it wouldn't totally "Implode into itself." With the Russian economy doing into the tank just like the rest of the world, they had better take care of their own problems and worry less about us. Judging by recent events, they are reverting back to totalitarianism again to contain any type of public discontent. I believe when all this is over, it'll be the good ol USA bailing out the rest of the world....again.
No one has an answer to this mess as we've never been here before. It's all "trial and error" now until we see what works and what don't. If real estate isn't working like it once was, (or whatever else you do for a living) look for an optional income. There are some great opportunities out there for people that want to expand their horizons, and not get stuck doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I'm building a secondary business (along with 120,000+ others) that pays extremely well if you are willing to work.
Yes, we are going through tough times and we must make some changes. We are very capable of change. This is a nation that has changed many times ever since it was created. It will take time and it will not be easy. Perhaps we have not seen the worst of it yet.
I differ with one of the comments regarding how other people view us. I do not believe that nearly everyone in other countries wants us to fail. On the contrary, there is much optimism now that we have Barack Obama as the President-elect.
Many others realize that their economic stability is dependent on ours as well. In the past we enjoyed friendly relations with many nations and there is a good possibility we will get there again.
It is up to us to help change the climate.
With that said, I wish every one a very happy new year.
As a good friend of mine recently said about the economy, "I choose not to participate". I'm excited about 2009, not letting doom and gloom guide me, preferring to see the glass as half full. I'm seeing comments about politics in here not surprisingly. Everything gets political now, whether it's accurate or not. I guess it's become a mindset and you can often tell what side of the fence a person sits on depending on the comments. I'm allowing God to guide my family and I.
I agree with Patti, and am also excited about 2009. I think the opportunities to prosper and thrive are remarkable. We as a country have done things that were said to be impossible, but were done anyway. In short, we didn't listen to "them". I love the saying that Robert Kennedy used to cite: "Some people see things as they are and say why: I dream of things that never were and say why not?". I don't know whether the prediction that is mentioned in the blog will come to pass: nobody does. We shall see.
In my opinion, we ought not to look to the "experts" that helped get us to this point as a country for help: look to yourself, your family, and those that you trust. Don't look to the government for a "hand out". Put your hand out and join with somebody else to solve your problems. America is not likely to go away in my opinion, but it is likely to change. My intention is to embrace the changes, and try to flourish: not fail. It's okay to be apprehensive in the midst of a pretty tough environment, but your victory will come when you stare the adversity down and go forward anyway!
IT is a big wake up call and we can all cheer about how great the USA is all we want but unless something is done the right way... Mr. Panarin may be onto something.
I think it is a little too doom and gloom and over the top, but it should not be scoffed at or ignored. It is certainly possible. Yes, the US did great things like win in WW2, put a man on the moon and built the Panama Canal.
But the USSR was first into space and ahead of us every step until the moon, they also won in WW2 and they accomplished great feats of technology and engineering. Bad economic planning and social disagreements tore them apart in short order. The US is in just as bad an economic situation and the politics of 2008 show the deep social differences in some parts of the country. It's not like the US has never broken apart due to social and economic interests....
The US has accomplished great things and still can. But the Romans, Greeks, Persians, French, British, and Russians all had great empires and were "world powers" at some point. Everything changes with time, and the US at the very least is losing its place as the economic power of the world to China, India and Russia.
Hi Kristal, this gentlemen brings up some interesting points of view. What most Americans are unaware of is the agreement that Pres. Bush signed with Canada and Mexico, literally removing our borders, and the creatrion of the North American Union. Additionally, most Americans are unaware
as to the declining dollar or the ultimate elimination of the U.S. dollar for the new currency called the "AMERO". Go to google / youtube regarding those two subjects.
As far as oportunities are concerned, in real estate-- you have to create them!!! No excuses, just do it!
Happy new year Kristal! I can see the roots of the ideas he has, but if he thinks the US will fall apart that easily, he needs to go back to the drawing board and study us a bit more. We have defied great odds before and survived and thrived. We will again. And thanks for the great Neil Diamond video. I adore him and that song is so inspirational. Prof. Panarin should watch that video and see what he thinks.
Kristal - I LOVE your post - it's the Neil Diamond & the Harley quotes that roar inside many of us - you make me cry with gratitude and pride (plus I'm pretty tired so ;-) excellent writing - you have a gift. Thanks for using it to inspire and stir up the power that unites vs divides. We do have some huge recovery and restructuring/rethinking to accomplish on both national and individual levels; And, we've got the abilities to get it done too.
Interesting, but hard to believe this can ever happen. Keeping in mind the geography, I can't think of European, China or Japan ccontrolling by 2010. In today's date all countries are affected with ression.
First off, to Joan - our government does not make money, they only take it. Tax revenue is the government's only source of income so be careful what you wish for. Higher taxes is not the answer.
Secondly, U.S.A. is the only government of its kind, ever. It is designed to go on forever and if we, the American people, will wake up, clean the House and the Senate of the "lifers" (yes, even the new appointees of Obama) we can pull through the worst of times. The Constitution is a good read and we must adhere to it as it is written. Unlike the "progressive" thinking talking heads, it is not a "living document" it is a constitution. If it were a living document, then it would be a worthless document.
God Bless the USA and God bless this new year.
Happy New Year - 2009 will be a prosperous year!
Great post Kristal! And a great song by the Diamond Man! I hope
that everyone In The GREAT USA takes a page from 2008 and learns from it. All the best to all of you in the New Year!
Spaz alert! This comment is all over the place :) Sorry!
Man, so many varying comments... while I still believe we are great and I want to feel optimistic about where we are going as a nation, as a young person (30)...:) I'm still young!! I see a lot of nastiness!! (the moral degradation that is mentioned above) I've been saying for 10 years that U.S.A. better remember that we are the shortest lived world power to date and we should be proud of being the world leader and we should realize the responsibility that comes with that honor.
I think that their is something massive coming because of (sorry to most people reading this) the generations that grew up in the late 50's thru the early 70's. Our Government leaders ARE NOT doing what we want them to do because we have people who grew up in this time that are stuck back in the time of seggreation, peace, love, and freedom ~ people that still want theirs!! Truth is that our freedoms have diminished for a few who lobby for one "special" agenda, whatever it might be.
Guess what! the generations of today....DO NOT have these issues of separation, actually for the most part we are very melded. Yes, whites still hang with whites, and blacks still hang with blacks...right on down the ethnicity line... But the truth is that TODAY: people socialize more and more because of common interests, goals, and beliefs, than because of skin color.
To get back to the post.... one thing that is going for us... WHICH I'M ACTUALLY HAPPY AND I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE ON 9/11/2001 WAS TRIBULATION!!! We must go down before we can go up, and hardship only makes you stronger (if it doesn't kill you).
People need to learn that we have to pay attention to what REALLY goes on. The fact is that this Russian Professor is not basing his information on things that aren't really real!!
Everyone knows we are indebted to foreign countries and that everyone is effected by what happens here in the U.S. if you think that illegal immigration is bad now, wait until these countries are really suffering... they will all come this way.
While I Do Believe the U.S. of A. is the GREATEST along with the people inside! WE NEED TO STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR HER!!! RIGHT NOW WE HAVE SO MUCH CORRUPTION IN OUR GOVERNMENT...WE'RE STARTING TO LOOK LIKE LITTLE MEXICO!
OH!! and I LOVE NEIL DIAMOND!!
~ One thing that my guts tells me... real estate sales and buyer pent up demand is going to be high in 2009 and Everyone knows that real estate must get back under control for everything else in our lives to be balanced.... If we can just keep it together a little longer, I think their are great things to come for us! - But still a great tribulation before we get their!!
Just as one day, not so long ago, you went to bed and when you woke up, there was no more U.S.S.R. ... So shall you go to bed one night soon and when you wake up, there shall be no more U.S.A. ... Just America.
It shall collapse under it's own prevalent apathy and greed, as well as, serval other deadly sins too ... If you don't believe this then, just wait ... It won't be much longer now ... And remember that, you read it here, first!
The best thing you can do for yourself is to get rid of your money now, while you still can because, just as the Confederate Currency suddenly became worthless, no matter how much you had you could not buy anything with it, so shall the United States Dollar, so buy something tangible NOW, while you still can ... Buy property, weapons, food, water, anything that you can use to barter with otherwise, you're going to be absolutely broke!
There's always prophets of destruction and purveyors of all sorts of scary scenarios. Most are considerred kooks, unless something they guessed at comes close to coming true. Then they become the latest gurus. How much of their predictions are based on facts and knowledge and how much is based on luck, is any one's guess.
Not much most of us can do about it anyway!
Kristal, Very interesting post, but as a retired USAF officer, I don't think it is very feasible. Just think how hard it is for the United States of America (with all our power, money, and military capacity) to sustain operations in foreign lands.
What other country in the world could even attempt to do what we do? Most do not have the capability to project forces around the world as we do. Even if they could invade us how would they police us? Can you imagine the field day our "good old boys" would have going on a turkey shoot 365 days out of the year?
Never under estimate the will and power of the American People. We may be a little too soft and a little too liberal these days, but "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". Nugh said!!!
Now about dividing the country into five to six pieces or territories or economic zones; I might suggest we have six zones - NE, SE, N Central, S Central, NW, and SW. Our original structure of States and Counties is somewhat dated, very over duplicated with too many levels of government, and most inefficient and costly when you consider the technology available to us today and in the future (when every home will be wired for sight, sound, and the web).
The six zones would be States and the States in a zone would become counties. Think about it and ask yourself why in todays modern society do we need 50 sets of laws covering real estate, marriage, divorce, driving, taxing, and education. What could be saved by consolidating some of the nonsense we face today???
I'll not give all my own opinions and ideas on this subject. Please help me develop this new government By the People and most importantly "FOR THE PEOPLE" (not special interests, etc...). Let's start a serious debate about what a real 21st Century Country should look like, be like, and act like! Please join in.
Kristal, this was an interesting piece. Our country is actually going through all the trauma that could possibly make something like this possible. Our politicians no longer represent the people and I believe that to be our biggest problem. If they weren't so corrupt and self-serving, I believe we could stand a chance to turn this around. I don't expect to see much better with the new administration. Our president-elect was surrounded by so much negative influence in his life and I don't believe he is the right person for the job. Further, he is surrounded by all the same career politicians, hate America activists, and good ole boy network that cares only about themselves.
I believe the majority of the people in the United States are onboard and cohesive as a group. However, our political leaders and the various "wacky" subcultures we keep giving into, will tear this country apart unless we all stand up and do something about it. We have not had good political leaders in so long that we can't tell the difference any more.
We are just choosing the lesser of two evils. How sad is that.
There's the old saying, "Don't believe everything you read." Our country is strong and not going anywhere. We will continue to prevail, and come out of these times better. I really believe that. I am convinced that many people throughout the world would love to see us fail. And, although mistakes may have been made, we will continue to learn from these mistakes and do better. I am really looking forward to this new year. I am hopeful that for some, things will improve. We may have to reinvent ourselves to excel but this is not the first time, and it won't be the last.
Best wishes to all in this new year,
Phyllis
I was going to ask you about us when I first started reading. Hawaii going to Japan or China....wow. After all that happened in the past (bombing of Pearl Harbor) I could not fathom that thought.
As your last statement says.....
Fear Sucks and so does loss of Freedom. We aren't down yet folks, we need to have faith in our country, unite for prosperity and take strength in the roots that bore us.
I'm with you on this one.....I have faith in our country and continue to keep a positive attitude. I used to think that my one opinion didn't matter...but if there are MANY that think the same it does.
Phyllis, I believe that too that you cannot believe everything you read or hear, but the evidence is overwhelming that the powers that be have corrupted and bankupted the country. "The proof is in the pudding." There are politicians and corporate leaders out there that are significantly responsible for the demise of our financial markets. We need to see some indictments and it shouldn't matter who they are. They should take the fall. The moral decay in this country has got to stop or we'll end up like the Roman Empire. What kind of influence is this making on our children?
The people of this country are strong; the country as it's represented right now is not strong. It's not too late. We could turn it around, but we need to be more selective in our nominations and screenings of candidates, overall, on all levels. Make the popular vote count.
I think what we see in the American people is the determination to press on and press upward. Sure, hard times have come, but haven't they before? We're a strong nation and it seems the difficult times (and we find it to be true in our families) causes us to unite and overcome...as we will continue to do!
Hi Kristal,
This is a very intriguing post - thanks for sharing the professor's views and your own. I think we need to be careful that we are not too complacent. The economic crisis we are facing is real and has the potential to change the way America is run. It's up to the individual American to keep an eye on what our politicians are doing with our tax dollars. We really can't assume that they are doing what's best for the average citizen - we have to make sure they are.
You've received many thoughtful comments here - America is a great country - let's keep it that way.
All the best in 2009!! Deborah
Noname, the only hate-mongering I see is coming from your post. Further, I don't see that anyone is fear-based except for you. You don't even have the courage to identify yourself, Mr. Noname. It takes courage to identify problems, voice your concerns, and want to take an active part in change for the better. And as for fascism, I don't think we've degraded that far yet. It makes me wonder about your value system or lack thereof. I hope real estate is your only job and that you aren't teaching any of America's children.
That guy has has been saying it for ten years and FINALLY America has a major down swing and he gets pegged as a prophet. I hope someone calls him out in about two years when all the smoke clears.
He reminds I always do during football games. I always pick the upset in front my friends in case the upset happens. The upset happens 1 out of every 20 times and I act like I knew they were going to win. We all laugh because it is a joke....just like this guy.
Tell me something GOOD.
I'm tired of the same old gloom/doom scenerio. WE ARE AMERICA! Put your boots on and get back to helping others & help yourself at the same time. Get a better attitude. Think about what you CAN do and Do it. STOP the negative thinking. Just DO IT! You can't change everything, but you can change something. A quote by FDR: " We have nothing to fear, but fear it's self". Choose to be fearless. Do you choose to believe that they year 2012 is the end of the world too? Have Faith and do your best. Blessings & a HAPPY NEW YEAR! We have more to be thankful for than most countries & are one of the richest.
It really depends on your psychic ability as to what is going to happen. We are, no doubt, in a crisis. Your own beliefs and values are what builds and strengthens and unites. We have to start and end with ourselves. If you find yourself getting less and not speaking up for yourself, you will get less.
If you ascribe to more, you get more. My concern is for the people that are over consumed with the doom side. It is so easy to go there. Does it help or hurt our children and the child soul inside of each of us. Does it matter what predictions say, yes it does. Do we have to live in fear, no we don't. I know what is happening and I am not happy about it. I have to choose, however, to please myself and my loved ones and have faith. Otherwise, life is just not worth living. Be Sad or Be Glad..........Happy New Year!!!
Well, Kristel, when I read this last night it really bothered me as it was the first I had seen the map. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. It should be a wake-up call for all of us.
I have written my comment several times now, but everytime I write something, I later delete it out of fear of having it be misconstrued. Now that Google is picking up our comments on AR in the alerts, I decided it best to keep my comments to myself.
Glad I'm going to be a part of that country up north. I'll start practicing on my "eh" and "aboot".
I would be happy to be annexed into Canada. Living in Michigan I have made many trips there, it's so clean and friendly, free health care, plus their Thanksgiving isn't in November, so you don't have to worry about battling snow and ice to visit with family. I like the loonies and colorful money, the afternoon tea. Lots of pluses. I won't complain if they take us. Michigan can't do much worse than it is now, from the economy to the Lions, we are at an all time low and ready for a major change. Flying the good old Maple Leaf would be pretty major :) If I decide I don't like it, I can always move to Ohio. I think Canada already is working on us, they sent Jennifer Granholm (our born in Canada Governor) in to slowly destroy the State, making us ready and willing for the merge.
I found this video interesting. I will call it "Why the Lender Crisis and What Happens Now." Worth the Watch, Here's the link http://www.mortgagesuccesssource.com/go/markmarket/
Beth, how does moving to Ohio help? We'll be right there with you under the maple leaf. While you think it's already started with your Governor, for several years now we've been overtaken with Canadian Geese living here full-time. Maybe that's a sign. :-)
We won't break-up into smaller countries, but we do need a major tune-up. We need to hold our elected officials responsible instead of voting for the same people who helped create this mess. We are in this situation because of greed by individuals - people on Wall Street, Main Street and politicians all share the blame.
We need to balance the budget which means companies need to give up some tax breaks, politicians need to give up some perks and we need to give up some entitlements.
The corporate culture that looks to short-term profits for maximum CEO pay ($25 billion golden parachuts) needs to change.
The good ol' boy system in Washington DC that says "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" ($150 billion in pet projects added to the $700 Billion bailout just to get votes) needs to change.
The entitlement system which provides government assistance (that was designed to be temporary help) is more of a disincentive to work and many people (not all) see no reason to work if the government provides everything needs to change. (It sounds like I voted for Obama but I didn't).
As individuals, we need to be part of the solution through involvment in our local communities, working with companies who act responsibly, and holding our elected officials to a higher standard than we have before. We have major issues that need to be resolved or we will remain short of the greatness we are capable of.
Fortunately, I think the pervasive feeling among Americans after the elections is one of hope and change for the better in our country. I think that is true worldwide, too, as reflected in several of my communications from friends around the world, congratulating us on having elected Obama and expressing hope for this country and how it will affect the world. You are so right that, despite some of the loathing and resentment other countries have toward us (some of it well-deserved), in general, most of the world admires us and wishes they had it so good. I think if the American public will continue its enthusiasm and participation in the political process, and cast aside arrogance for enlightment, and keep the right attitude (i.e., reject irrational gloom-and-doom projections), The United States of America will once again rise above and come out stronger and better than before.
It's clear that your Country is going to face unprecedented challenges. Canada is also in a recession however not as extensive as the U.S. Obama has his work cut out for him. From my perspective the past 2 presidents and their spending habits have a lot to do with the problems you are now facing. I also believe that The U.S. will prevail and be stronger for it because you will stick together. The words "we the people" come to mind. They say the only thing constant, is change. It is inevitable. But the changes you are going to experience do not have to be negative. Your determination will bring you through. Stand tall, and stick together. As for this Russian professor...as much as he may be basing his predictions on facts, I think he is experiencing a severe case of wishful thinking. :)
Per the comment made by someone that said the Realtors were part of the cause of our financial situation, I completey disagree. We provide the homes inventory, the lenders and their underwriters are the ones who pre-qualified and/or pre-approved them to make a purchase, not us.
This may be one of the rare instances when the media's distribution of very negative predictions, will actually have a positive influence on our society.
I think a typical American reaction to the Russian soothsayer would be, "In Your Dreams!"
Barbara
When I saw this prediction on page 1 of the wall street journal I couldn't believe that they would run it on page 1. We don't need this kind of news featured in a prominent place. Yes things are difficult right now, but I sincerely believe that all of the gloom and doom has contributed to the erosion of consumer confidence. I am not saying that the media should lie, but neither do they need to continure to go overboard in their reporting of negative news. A healthy dose of consumer confidence would go a long way to reverse the current trend.
OK folks I am now deleting comments that are nasty or anonymous. There is no excuse for name calling here. I have control over Mr. Delete button, so identify yourself, play nice or get nuked.
Interesting . . . . This guy is predicting that the different parts of the country will go back (roughly) to their previous ownership. hmmmm . . . . I guess in my state we'd have a Prime Minister and a Queen or King again.
Well, I'm into the USA and Real Estate for the long haul. I think, no, I know we will survive. After being in Real Estate for over 20 years, I have seen this all before. I have seen this happen twice! I survived both times and will again. The difference now, is the full blown daily, minute by minute hyper analysis media and internet. Back then there was no cable TV and the information highway was yet to be born.
Pretty interesting idea, but won't ever happen. Sounds like he is predicting that what happened in the USSR will happen in the USA but this country is totally different. Guess he was looking for his 15 minutes of fame.
War has always changed this country and for the better. The Revolutionary war and the Civil War being the main ones. I do think that eventually true Americans will get tired of this mess and make the changes. I just hope it is not through a Civil War. But something has to change we can not support the free loaders in our country for much longer especially with Baby Boomers like me retiring. 70 cents of every dollar earned nw goes to support the federal, city and state governments, as well as the non working public. Just twenty years ago it was 25 cents. If you think about all we do is work to pay for others to live, now that is slavery.
Kristal ... thanks for this article. I agree that the USA isn't going away. To the contrary, the USA will continue to lead the world in many ways. I also agree that the USA has an immigration problem because most people want to live here. And who can blame them? We have a beautiful place to live and that so many people have fought and died to save us and our many freedoms. I will not forgot how blessed we are to be live here and be citizens of the USA. Best wishes to you. Harrison
I'll still have the same dirt under my feet, not that I think this is going to happen, but it is obvious that some things clearly need to change.
I don't think he took into account the inner stregnth of us Americans, others have misjudged us before. I recall a statment from our history logs about awakening a sleeping giant.
I think this is some kind of disinformation campaign.
It's more likely that the complete opposite will happen. We will have the NAU (North American Union) consisting of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Open borders and one common currency, the Amero.
Foreign countries will end up controlling America not by any war, but by being our banker and eventually foreclosing on us.
You'll start seeing more interstates become toll roads. Why? Because we will sell the highway to pay off some debt and give the foreign investors the right to collect tolls.
The same with our national parks. We'll sell them and the buyer can collect user fees.
Happy New Year! Interesting post and I've heard of him before. However, we as Americans do pull together when the going gets tough. Until The Civil War people would refer to the United Staes as The United States ARE and when the war ended they referred to it as The United States IS! I think that we came together during this sad time in our history and I don't believe we'll get pulled apart again as we are bound together at the seams and need each other to survive.
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